But sometimes this is easier
said than done. In this article I will show you an easy easy to identify and
trade the trend.
How To Identify A Trend
Way back in the 90s I used fundamental analysis to try and predict the
market. Long story short, it didn’t work for me.
Since the mid 90s I have been using technical analysis in my
trading. When using technical analysis, there are two different approaches:
Chart Patterns and
Indicators
Examples of chart patterns are flags, pennants, triangles, double bottoms
and tops, etc. Candlestick formations are chart patterns, too.
Examples of indicators are moving averages, Bollinger Bands, MACD, RSI,
etc.
So which approach is “better”? Should you use chart patterns or indicators
to identify the direction of the market?
Easy answer: Use the approach that works for YOU. I personally use
indicators. I like the black-and-white approach of indicators. As an example,
the RSI is either above 70 or it is not. There’s no grey area. I openly admit
that I struggle identifying chart patterns while they are forming. Don’t get me
wrong: I am an expert showing you every single chart pattern there is at the end
of the day. But I can’t identify them with certainty while they are forming.
But hey, I can’t ride a bicycle either, so maybe there’s something
fundamentally wrong with me
Using Indicators To Identify The Direction Of The Market
In my own trading I use THREE (3) INDICATORS to determined the direction of
the market and trade the trend.
Today we will talk about the my favorite indicator –
Bollinger Bands. Bollinger Bands are a fascinating concept.
They are available in EVERY charting
software.
Note: If your charting software does NOT allow you to plot
Bollinger Bands on your charts, it’s time to switch to a different software
provider. Let me know if you need help finding a powerful charting software
platform
Back to Bollinger Bands. Bollinger Bands consist
of a CENTERLINE, which is a simple moving average, and two standard
deviations. One above the centerline and one below. These are called the UPPER BOLLINGER BAND and the LOWER
BOLLINGER BAND.
I like to use a setting of 12 for the moving average and a setting of 2 for the
standard deviation.
And here’s how to use Bollinger Bands to
identify and trade the trend:
In an
uptrend you
will see that the Upper Bollinger Band in pointing up in a nice 45 degree angle
and prices are touching the Upper Bollinger Band.
The Upper Bollinger Band acts
like a Trend line ABOVE the prices.
So how do you know when an uptrend is over?
The uptrend is over as soon as the Upper
Bollinger Band flattens or turns around.
In
a downtrend you will
see that the Lower Bollinger Band in pointing down in a nice 45 degree angle
and prices are touching the Lower Bollinger Band. The Lower Bollinger Band acts
like a trendline BELOW the prices.
And the downtrend is over when the Lower
Bollinger Band flattens or turns around.
Can YOU Identify And Trade The Trend?
Try it out for yourself!
Pull up your charting software, plot the Bollinger Bands on the charts with
a setting of 12 for the Moving Average and 2 for the Standard Deviation
You can use it with ANY timeframe, but if you are day trading, you might
want touse a five (5) minute chart.
Look at the current value of the Upper and Lower Bollinger Bands.
Based on the definition that I gave you above, what is the market doing right
now? Is it in an uptrend or in a downtrend?
Now look back at charts. Can you see how the Bollinger Bands are
showing you how to trade the trend?
You shouldn’t have ANY difficulty to determine whether a market is going
up, down or sideways based on this simple definition. If you do have problems,
let me know and I’ll be happy to help.
Keep in mind that this is NOT a trading strategy in itself! It’s just a way to
determine the direction of the market and identify a trend.
Summary
You can use chart patterns or indicators to help you identify and trade a
trend. I personally rely on indicators because for me they are more “black and
white”.
My favorite indicator are the Bollinger Bands. They offer me an easy way to
determine whether the market is trending or going sideways.